Chapter 5 1 Hazardous waste handling and storage

Chapter 5. 1 Hazardous waste handling and storage TRP Chapter 5. 1 1

Links in an integrated in hazardous waste management system Storage Collection/ Transportation Disposal TRP Chapter 5. 1 2

Storage site selection On-site storage: • In waste generator premises • Not subject to flooding • Away from manufacturing/processing areas • Away from employee activities Off-site storage: • Not subject to flooding • Away from residential area • Ideally in industrial area • Good access to public infrastructure eg roads, emergency services TRP Chapter 5. 1 3

Storage site design criteria 1 • Minimise risk of explosion or unplanned releases. • Keep incomatible wastes separate • Not < 15 m from site boundary (where possible) • Away from foot & vehicular traffic • Impermeable base material • Leak and spill containment Source: David C Wilson TRP Chapter 5. 1 4

Storage site design criteria 2 • • Protection from climate Good ventilation Limit height of stacked containers Eye wash station Provide drainage system or elevate Adsorbent material for spills Re-packaging area Comply with regulations TRP Chapter 5. 1 5

Hazardous waste compatibility 1 Compatibility = the ability of two or more materials to exist in close association with each other without the formation of harmful chemical or physical reactions • Need compatibility between: • waste & container • wastes stored together • wastes stored close to each other • wastes & environment TRP Chapter 5. 1 6

Hazardous waste compatibility 2 Source: UK Do. E (1988) Waste Management Paper No 26 TRP Chapter 5. 1 7

Undesirable reactions to mixing incompatible wastes §Generation of heat by chemical reaction è Alkali metals, metal powders § Generation of toxic gases è Hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide § Generation of flammable gases è Hydrogen, acetylene § Generation of gases è Nitrogen oxides, chlorine, sulphur dioxide § Dissolution of toxic compounds è Heavy metals, complexing agents TRP Chapter 5. 1 8

Duration of hazardous waste storage • Storage should be for as brief a period as possible • Permitted temporary storage duration varies from country to country Western Europe: • Typically 28 or 90 days USA: • Up to 90 days for large quantity generators • Up to 180 days for small quantity generators Some European countries and Far East: • Indefinite period allowed TRP Chapter 5. 1 9

Long term storage • For longer term storage, different controls needed • If storage may be indefinite, controls should be similar to those for final disposal facilities • Long term storage may be a practical solution to the problem of a shortage of hazardous waste treatment and dsiposal facilities • Important to avoid ‘storage’ becoming an excuse for uncontrolled disposal TRP Chapter 5. 1 10

Types of storage • Containerised • Bulk liquids in tanks • Bulk solids in bunkers, silos, skips TRP Chapter 5. 1 11 Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002

Packaging materials • Must be inert and not react with the hazardous waste • Must be able to absorb impact • Materials which can be used include: • • • Steel Aluminium Natural Wood Plywood Reconstituted wood • Fibreboard • Plastic material • Textile • Metal (other than steel or aluminium) • Glass or stoneware TRP Chapter 5. 1 12

Types of containers • • Bags Boxes Drums Jerrycans • Combination packaging • Composite packaging TRP Chapter 5. 1 13 Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002

Container selection criteria • Inert will not react with contents is impervious to attack from contents • Robust and able to absorb impact • Good condition, free of leaks, structural defects or rust, clean • Able to be kept closed except when waste material being added or removed • Contents will not escape in normal handling • Suitable for quantity/volume of wastes - not over filled TRP Chapter 5. 1 14

Drums and cans Drums: • Reconditioned drums are cheaper than new ones • Inspect quality and type of drum Cans: • Useful for vertical free space Potential problems: • Increase in disposal cost • Increase in handling risks TRP Chapter 5. 1 15

Tanks • Suitable for storage of bulk material • Offer rigid and integral containment • Easy to inspect • Suitable for bulk materials handling systems eg pipelines, belt conveyors TRP Chapter 5. 1 16

Marking and labelling Source: U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Research & Special Programs Administration, 2000 TRP Chapter 5. 1 17

All markings Markings should be: • Durable • In English and/or native language • Unobscured • Against a contrasting background • Away from other markings TRP Chapter 5. 1 18

Labels All containers must be clearly marked with waste type and hazard Labels should be: • Made of good quality materials • Durable • Weather resistant • Well located • Recognisable and legible in day and night time • Give information about handling precautions and prohibitions • At least 100 mm on each side TRP Chapter 5. 1 19

Types of labels Hazard labels: • In the shape of a square set at 45º • Required for most dangerous goods except for magnetised materials Handling labels: • In various rectangular shapes • Required either alone or in addition of hazard labels for some dangerous goods TRP Chapter 5. 1 20

Record keeping and inspection Inspection: • To ensure proper handling and storage • To check integrity of storage Record keeping: • To provide a record of waste generation and movement • To inform a subseqeuent disposal option • To serve as “chain of custody” document • To comply with regulations • To ensure duty of care TRP Chapter 5. 1 21

Handling and storage hazards for personnel Accidental injury eg equipment, containers falling, fires, explosions Chemical or biological harm eg respiratory problems, skin complaints Systemic effects: • nausea • headaches • cancer TRP Chapter 5. 1 22

Chapter 5. 1 Summary Handling and storage are part of an integrated system - need to: • Choose/design storage site carefully • Ensure waste compatibility • Consider storage duration and types of storage • Select appropriate packaging materials and containers • Ensure proper marking and labelling • Keep accurate records and make regular inspections • Consider hazards for personnel TRP Chapter 5. 1 23